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Wind River Casino Photo
Northern Arapaho Tribe
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) _ Leaders of the Northern Arapaho Tribe traveled to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday to meet with government leaders this week regarding the deaths earlier this month of three teenage girls on the Wind River Indian Reservation.
Anthony Addison Sr. and Harvey Spoonhunter, leaders of the Northern Arapaho Business Council, and Ryan Wilson, director of the Northern Arapaho Council of Elders, plan to speak Wednesday at the National Press Club in Washington. They also plan to meet with members of Wyoming's congressional delegation and other federal officials.
Federal investigators have not released information about what killed the three girls, who were found dead June 4 at a tribal housing complex south of Riverton. But tribal officials have said that their deaths highlight the need to fight drug and alcohol abuse on the reservation.
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June 25, 2008
9:32 a.m.Report inappropriate content
They won't even tell the locals what happened, but they are going to carry on a sob story in DC that ends with "needing" more federal funding. Sick, sick, profiting off those poor girls that they failed.
July 1, 2008
6:15 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Why doesn't the Wind River Casino administer some of their profits for a Youth Center? They have said in the past that their profits will help develop improve the Northern Araphoe Tribe and Reservation.
July 8, 2008
11:33 a.m.Report inappropriate content
It has been more than a month now. Riv. Radio, shouldn't it be about time for the results of autopsies and tox reports? I can't believe how quickly this story died, and how fast these girls were forgotten. Just imagine the outrage if these girls had the last names of, Vincent, Peck, Larsen????? There would be arrests, reports, updates, rewards, crime tips lines dedicated to this case, candlelight vigils, etc.....
July 9, 2008
12:53 p.m.Report inappropriate content
No word yet on results of autopsy. A spokesperson from the Northern Arapahoe Tribe said it could be another week or two. As soon as rivertonradio.com receives word we'll pass it along.
July 9, 2008
1:28 p.m.Report inappropriate content
I think it was a very sad and bad why to leave this world, but if the parents would take up more time with their children instead of having the whole nation watching them they probably would have realized they were gone. The Washington DC thing is a joke, we already support them now, and have been for years, thats one thing wrong now, thats why they can't take care of their selves, and the casino, well where is that money going? They also aren't required to have auto insurance, whats up with that, they want to be treated equal well they need to act like it.
July 9, 2008
6:52 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Aliciala: Who exactly are you ripping on or blaming in this matter, and for what? The last press release on this tragedy indicated it would be several weeks before the toxology and autopsy results were back. Since this was the death of Native Americans on the Reservation, the investigation is being handled by the Feds and BIA, who have been fairly tight lipped about it. Your comment that the story has died and/or the girls have been forgotten is an exaggaration. It's simply that the afore mentioned parties investigating it have not released any additional info or findings.
Then to take a round about shot at the community of Riverton, over the lack of information being released by the Feds/BIA was a little uncalled for. I'm sure those agencies are doing their jobs and will release their findings when appropriate. As for the rewards, tip lines, and candle light vigils; that's not the responsibility of the press, the authorities, or those who didn't know the girls. That is the responsibility of someone close to the girls and/or the situation to organize, form, and rally people around it. Instead of venting to this web site that we all have somehow just brushed this under the rug, you should be out rallying people and support for these girls and this tragedy. It has nothing to do with a name, and everything to do with friends and family making things happen.
July 9, 2008
7:42 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Wolverine-WOW, pretty defensive there. The shoe must fit. Just kinda funny that Cody can get a task force/activist group formed over a few dead dogs found over the past few months. But Riverton can't even keep the story alive for more than two weeks, over children.
And yes the vigils, or awareness walks and things, that is the communities job, but tip lines, rewards, leads, those are the responsibilities of authorities. Not one word about where these girls got the drugs, or who to look out for, not one word. It is the news organizations job to dig and ask these questions, that is why I addressed the question to Riv. Radio, to see that they were still working on it. So thank you Riv. Radio for the response, I know you will be the very first to get us any info you can.
And if I touched a nerve-GOOD. At least that is some attention given to the tragedy. This story has sat here for ever with 2 respones. Now there are 6--PROGRESS! Bet you won't find any discussion about this story in the local rag.
July 10, 2008
1:57 p.m.Report inappropriate content
I guess you got me there, but, again, I don't know what shoe you're trying to fit onto the foot of everyone in the village. Since I'm not part of the media, or an investigator in this case, I wasn't defending them; nor felt the need to defend myself.
The point I was trying to make was that you obviously have a lot of passion about this tragedy and that's great because it was a senseless tragedy and one of a greater ongoing problem we have in the area. But instead of posting to this site and complaining about no follow up story, no rewards, no vigils, no information released by the Tribe, and a perceived lack of public outrage because the deaths weren't prominent Riverton citizens; you should be forming a "taskforce/activist group" to go to the Tribe and demand information, to hold vigils and walks, and to use the tragedy to find answers/solutions to prevent future such tragedies. CODY did not form a taskforce/activist group over the death of a few dogs; one or two people who were passionate about the dogs did and other Cody citizens followed.
Over my life time I have learned there are two types of people. Those that step back and complain about the state of affairs and question why things aren't getting remedied, and those that step up and get involved in trying to find remedies. Since you've got me gimping around in a shoe that doesn't fit, which shoe fits you??
July 11, 2008
12:16 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Very well put Wolverine. aliciala sounds like they need to quit being an armchair activist (which nobody from either side of a debate really respects) and either put up or shutup.
July 13, 2008
6:19 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Riv. Radio provides a box here so people can make comments about these stories.
Are you saying my comments aren't welcome?
And woverine, you tell me to get involved-but,you had a previous post complaining that the parents were TOO involved, in another situation, so I see that you are going to complain no matter what opinion someone has.
As for the armchair activist comment-brmbward, you are armchair umpiring my armchair activism, what does that say about you??
Maybe you should both check to see what material your houses are made of before you chuck those stones.
Now, if you are done attacking me for having an opinion, do you have one of your own on this story?
I do believe that is what the intent was for the comments boxes.
July 17, 2008
3:08 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Okay, I'm really not trying to get the last word; just trying to answer the questions you posed. You are right, I did have an earlier entry about people being too involved. But before I take on the role of complaining no matter what an opinion is, we must first define "opinion" and "complaining". An opinion is a belief, conviction, or personal view of a topic. Complaining is to express discontent/dissatisfaction, to accuse or charge, to find fault.
I really wasn't trying to offend you. I just thought that your opinion had suddenly turned into an attack on everyone working the case and the community as a whole about issues out of their/our control. As for the parents I "complained" about for being "too involved"... it was this same situation; times 10. They weren't involved at all; they were sitting back and complaining (see definition above) about coach(s) to anyone who would listen.
The key to getting involved is being positive.
Now that we've traded complaints and opinions, and I really have enjoyed this spirited exchange (plus it doesn't hurt rivertonradio.com's hits), you asked for my opinion on the subject.
In a nutshell, regardless of race, color, creed, or religion we've got to this point, as a society, over many years; and any solution to the problems we face with our children will take many years to resolve. Too many parents in our generation quit being parents; some blatanlty, most subtly. In this fast pace age of cells phones, 300 channel t.v.,and two job households, life has been sped up and we all get too busy trying to keep up with it and not our kids. As a society, we expect to be provided with a shopping list of things to keep our kids busy. We want to drop them off at the rec center, at baseball practice, at the movies, and we can't wait for school to start in the fall... and all this becomes a babysitting service for us, again balantly or subtly, so we can unwind from life's stress. However, while we unwind our kids are being parented by their peers, for the most part. Then when we have a generation of kids that have raised themselves, and problems appear, we, as a society, want to place blame.
The solution to these problems are not in Washington, not in Cheyenne, and not at 816 N. Federal. They won't go away if we build a rec center, discuss them in town meetings, or enforce tougher laws. They are not the fault of the Republicans, Democrats, or City Council.
The solution to these problems begin in our home, will go away by building relationships with our kids, and are the "fault" (responsibility) of each of us as parents. And, any solution will require our resolve and patience because it's not a quick fix.
July 17, 2008
3:22 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Oh and I almost forgot, you had also inquired about what kind of material my house was made of. Well years ago I built a beautiful straw house then the government decided to re-introduce wolves to Wyoming. The house withstood the occasional rock throwing pretty good, but because of all the government's and wolves blowing and going, and huffing and puffing; my brother and I are now shacked up at my youngest brother's brick house, waiting for FEMA to rebuilt our houses.... but that's a whole other topic to blog.
July 20, 2008
8:40 p.m.Report inappropriate content
My OPINION is that if the last names of these girls had been one of Riverton's royalty, we would have daily updates. And SOMEONE, (if not several someones), would be being held accountable.
Autopsies are done, what news did we get-ZIP!I know it's not Riv Radio's fault as they obviously were given no info. Something's wrong with this.
Someone has killed three children (I don't care how they did it, it is murder), and the authorities are letting them roam society, amongst our children, do they really think it won't happen again, they've already done it three times! How many more opportunities do they need?
July 21, 2008
11:20 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Since when is society responsible for the youth of our nation? It is the parent's responsiblity to care for their children and keep them out of trouble (and yes I am a parent and yes I do try to actively parent my children).
Unfortunately, that mentality has flown out the window along with personal responsibility for our actions (the devil made me do it... or it's the governments fault).
We need to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps, get a grip and quite whining about the inequities in life. Instead do something about it. Get up off your butt and try to fix the things that are wrong in your life instead of complaining and waiting for somebody else to fix YOUR problem (by your I mean each individual not any one individual specifically.).
That is also one of the differences between "Riverton's Royalty" and most of the populace. If something had happened to one of them, they sure as hell would be doing something about it (whether it be sitting in the police department everyday or something else) instead of sitting back and waiting for somebody else to do something. That is how they became power players is by doing.
July 21, 2008
11:30 a.m.Report inappropriate content
I agree with brmbward, we, I mean all of us need to get up and take control of our households.
July 21, 2008
9:16 p.m.Report inappropriate content
I think that the family members of the 3 girls probably want a certain amount of discretion regarding the deaths especially when the FBI is still investigating.
I agree that the friends and family members would be the ones to initiate any kind of vigil and/or awareness. There must be a good reason why they haven't done so, thus far. My heart goes out to them.
July 29, 2008
9:34 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Still waiting for news.
And anywhere else in the country, when something like this happens, a child is killed, kidnapped, etc....folks from far and wide express their thoughts and feelings about it, national news channels pick it up. The story and emotions are shared between every one. But because these are "the death of Native Americans on the Reservation"-(to qoute someone previously), it is suddenly no-one elses business. Every one just needs to sit still and wait? Hmmm.
Maybe the families do want discretion, if it were my kids I'd be screaming from every street corner, but that's just me. The truth, or some of it, will come out eventually, I hope.
We're at week 8. How much longer?
July 30, 2008
4:18 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Actually hundreds of kids die and go missing all over in this country, and NO you don't hear about all of them.
The ones you do hear about are the ones who's parents holler from the rooftops, sit in police stations, and independently contact local and national media sources.
These kids have recieved alot more media attention than most.
July 30, 2008
4:22 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Also,
We need to sit still and wait because either the investigation is still ongoing and authorities don't want to botch it up, or the family has requested that information not be made available.
So being patient either:
A. Allows the authorities to do their jobs.
B. Shows respect to the deceased families wishes.
July 30, 2008
4:27 p.m.Report inappropriate content
almost everything that i have read on the comments on this subject just make me sick!!! for people who live so close to the reservation (right smack dab in the middle) you absolutly know nothing about what goes on and how things work. WHAT PART ABOUT A FEDERAL INVESIGATION DONT YOU PEOPLE UNDERSTAND? news crews and reporters are told to keep their noses out of it until things are offical, so that they do not tip any "accusing" parties off. when they are ready to make their case then you all will be allowed to know.
secondly other comments on
"we already support them now, and have been for years, thats one thing wrong now, thats why they can't take care of their selves, and the casino, well where is that money going? They also aren't required to have auto insurance, whats up with that, they want to be treated equal well they need to act like it."
you have no idea as to how things work on the reservation. the money that the casino is making is going towards helping the people, they are fixing roads, houses,ect and paying all their employees to get these jobs done! Dont go nagging on the way things are done when you dont even know how things are done and the reasonings behind them!!!! take some classes and learn about other races before you start bombarding them with your own outragious comments!
July 30, 2008
4:37 p.m.Report inappropriate content
if you want to be so concerned about they way they have or have not been doing memorials or vigils then get off your ass and learn about the native american culture and learn how things are done.
July 30, 2008
5:11 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Actually beieisoo, there is ONE person who doesn't understand how Federal or Local Investigations work. Please take the time to actually read the previous comments.
As for the whole money issue.... so long as it remains a tribal issue, then it's not our business, but when they start screaming that they need more money from non-tribal resources, even though they have one of the most successful business's in the area, and we as locals do not see any of the changes you are speaking about, then yes I feel that we do have a right to say "now hold on a minute."
I personally feel that an independent audit of the tribes books would be beneficial for the tribes as well as explaining where all this money is going to all of us non-tribal members who are paying to support people who don't like, let alone respect, non-tribal members.
July 30, 2008
5:48 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Probably at this point I should acknowledge that many members of the Tribes do work and contribute tax monies, that are then fed back to the tribes, but supporting a person or society is not just about direct funding, but infrastructure, roads, building ect... in addition to or in place of direct funding for individual people.
I have Native friends, but in large the prejudice of Natives against non-tribal members is horrible.
In fact, the prejudice non-tribal members experience in this community and the surrounding areas, I believe, is second only to that experienced by the African and African American populace prior to the Affirmative Action Movement, and just like slave holders, tribal members are profiting from those they discriminate against.
July 31, 2008
10:21 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Redchild/beieisoo (?),
Yes I am the only one who "doesn't understand" fed. investig. It's actually the nine weeks that I'm having an issue with. So you all might be content to sit and twiddle your thumbs and wait, I'm not. I was uncomfortable with it since the beginning. I understand not releasing CERTAIN info, but not to releas ANY info is unusual, uncalled for, and possibly even dangerous to others in the community. This tragedy hit too close to home and its frustrating to see people sweep it under the rug so quicky, or not even care enough to fight for answers or justice.
As for your defence of the casino money's distribution, not many enrolled are even happy with what's going on there. I remember not to far back there were many complaints that the casino $ had not made it to the senior center, as promised, and that $ was going to the tribal college and the detox center in Riverton. The complaints were that this $ was supposed to help all members, but was going to programs like these that only helped a select few. Maybe with more casinos, there will be more $ to distribute to other programs?
July 31, 2008
4:38 p.m.Report inappropriate content
beiesoo, you really don't have to know a lot about things when you can see with your own eyes where the money is going, its to repair the brand new home that were built across from the casino that have been destroyed and if people didn't drive impaired the roads would be a little more safe. I've driven the roads many times and never had a wreck. Thank God!! It's a dreadful thing that happened to the children we all agree.
August 4, 2008
5:13 p.m.Report inappropriate content
radiofreak48
not every wreck that has happend on trible land has happend because some one was impaired. trible roads need to be maintained just like city and state roads.!!! and yes i agree that it wouldnt hurt to have the tribes fundings audited. ( just like any other government, you know that sooner or later someone on the inside is sticken their hands in the cooky jar!)
The only reason i even commented is people on here are whinning around that know one will give them any info, you have to be patient understand that things have to follow an order. And yes when i hear non natives bashing on things they really dont understand it does irratated me.
I know that many tribal memebers dont like the way that tribal money is spent and feel that it could be put to better use, i just dont see to point in standing around dwelling on the subject, get up and do something about it that is the only way that things are going to get done.
but sadly it still amazes me that it took the dealth of three young Native girls to really reach out and grab peoples attention that we have problems around our county. People of all colors and races need to stop crying about "what should/woulda/coulda been done" and try and make changes
September 10, 2008
3:03 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Though your names have not been spoken...and the cause of your deaths have not been quoted...YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!